Breaking the Chains: How to Escape the Cycle of Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Breaking the Chains: How to Escape the Cycle of Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Jun 18, 2025 | Book of the Week, Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development

Do you feel like your money disappears as soon as you get paid? Are you constantly counting the days until your next paycheck? If so, you’re not alone – millions of people find themselves trapped in the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. But here’s the good news: escaping this cycle isn’t just possible, it’s within your control.

Let’s break the chains and create a life where money works for you, not the other way around.

Step 1: Shift from Survival Mode to Financial Strategy

Most people stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle don’t have a spending problem, they have a strategy problem. Instead of reacting to financial emergencies, it’s time to start planning proactively.

Ask yourself:

  • What would financial stability look like for me?
  • How much money do I need to feel secure between paychecks?
  • What’s stopping me from breaking free?

By shifting your focus from surviving to strategising, you take back control of your finances.

Shift from Survival Mode to Financial Strategy

Step 2: Find Your Financial Leaks (and Plug Them!)

Ever wonder where all your money goes? It’s time to find out. Track your spending for a month and identify the small, sneaky expenses draining your bank account. These could be:

  • Subscription services you forgot about
  • Daily coffee runs that add up to hundreds a month
  • Unused gym memberships
  • Frequent food delivery orders

Plugging these leaks doesn’t mean cutting out all enjoyment – it means being intentional about where your money goes.

Small, sneaky expenses might be draining your bank account

Step 3: Pay Yourself First – Even If It’s Just $10

The key to breaking the cycle is creating a buffer between you and financial stress. Start by setting aside a small amount from every paycheck – yes, even if it’s just $10. The act of saving builds momentum and rewires your brain for financial growth.

Open a separate savings account and automate deposits. Over time, you’ll build a financial cushion that prevents you from relying on the next paycheck.

Step 4: Increase Your Income Without Working More Hours

If your expenses leave you with nothing to save, it’s time to boost your income. But before you assume that means working more hours, consider these options:

  • Ask for a raise – most employees don’t, and employers often have room to negotiate.
  • Sell unused items – your clutter could be someone else’s treasure.
  • Offer freelance or side gigs – platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy offer ways to monetise your skills.
  • Rent out assets – if you have an extra room, parking space, or equipment, consider renting it out.

Small income boosts can create big shifts in your financial freedom.

Step 5: Use Your Credit Wisely (Not Recklessly)

Credit can be a tool or a trap – it all depends on how you use it. Instead of relying on credit cards to cover gaps, use them strategically:

  • Pay off balances in full to avoid high-interest debt.
  • Use credit card rewards for cash back or travel perks.
  • Build your credit score to access lower rates on future loans.

Mastering your credit is key to long-term wealth-building.

Step 6: Create a 3-Month Escape Plan

Breaking free isn’t about overnight miracles, it’s about consistent steps in the right direction. Create a 3-month plan with small, achievable goals:

  • Month 1: Cut financial leaks and save at least $50.
  • Month 2: Increase income by $200 through side gigs or negotiations.
  • Month 3: Use extra income to build a financial cushion and pay off high-interest debt.

By the end of 90 days, you’ll have proof that escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is possible.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Financial freedom isn’t just for the lucky, it’s for those who take action. You have the power to rewrite your financial story and create a life where money works for you.

If you’re ready for a deeper transformation and a complete guide to managing your money, my Master Your Money Program will provide the step-by-step tools to take control once and for all.

You deserve financial peace – start your escape plan today!

Master Your Money program
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Money Mindset Makeover: Rewiring Your Brain for Financial Success

Money Mindset Makeover: Rewiring Your Brain for Financial Success

Jun 4, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, financial success always seems just out of reach? Maybe you’ve tried budgeting, saving, and cutting expenses, but something still holds you back from true financial freedom. What if the key to transforming your financial reality isn’t just in spreadsheets and numbers but in your mindset?

The Power of Money Mindset

Your thoughts and beliefs about money shape your financial reality more than you think. If you grew up hearing phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “rich people are greedy,” you may unconsciously hold limiting beliefs that prevent you from achieving financial success.

Your money mindset determines how you earn, spend, save, and invest. A scarcity mindset can keep you stuck in fear and lack, while an abundance mindset opens doors to financial opportunities. If you’re ready to shift from financial stress to success, let’s start rewiring your brain for wealth!

Step 1: Identify Your Money Beliefs

Before you can change your mindset, you must first uncover the deep-rooted beliefs you hold about money. Ask yourself:

  • What did I hear about money growing up?
  • Do I believe that making money is hard?
  • How do I feel when I spend money – guilt, fear, excitement?
  • Do I see money as a tool or an obstacle?

Write down your answers and notice any patterns. Awareness is the first step to transformation.

Build a Buffer Fund

Step 2: Reframe Your Money Story

Now that you’ve identified limiting beliefs, it’s time to replace them with empowering ones. If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll never get ahead financially,” flip the script to “I am capable of creating financial abundance.” Instead of “I’m bad with money,” tell yourself, “I am learning to master my finances.”

Affirmations like these rewire your subconscious mind to support your financial goals. Say them daily, write them down, and believe them.

Step 3: Visualise Your Financial Success

Elite athletes use visualisation to win competitions, and you can use the same technique to achieve financial success. Close your eyes and imagine:

  • Seeing a healthy bank balance
  • Living in your dream home
  • Traveling without financial worry
  • Feeling empowered and in control of your money

The more vividly you picture your financial success, the more your brain works to turn it into reality.

Step 4: Upgrade Your Financial Cycle

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If those around you constantly complain about money, struggle financially, or discourage your financial growth, it might be time to upgrade your financial circle.

Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you financially. Join money-focused communities, listen to financial podcasts, and invest in programs that teach financial mastery.

Step 5: Take Action With Confidence

Mindset without action won’t lead to results. Set clear financial goals and take intentional steps toward them. Whether it’s increasing your income, paying off debt, or investing, make decisions with confidence, knowing you are in control of your financial destiny.

 FINAL THOUGHTS

Transforming your financial mindset is the most powerful step toward wealth and success. When you change your thoughts, you change your actions, and when you change your actions, you change your life.

If you’re ready to take your financial transformation to the next level and want a complete money transformation, the Master Your Money Program will guide you every step of the way.

Start today — your wealthy future is waiting!

Master Your Money program
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Don’t Burn Out – Level Up: Why Tradies, Franchisees and Small Biz Owners Need More Than Just a Good Work Ethic

Don’t Burn Out – Level Up: Why Tradies, Franchisees and Small Biz Owners Need More Than Just a Good Work Ethic

May 28, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Side Hustle

Let’s be real. If working hard were the only thing needed to succeed, most small business owners would be millionaires by now.

You show up early, stay late, grind through weekends, answer client calls after hours, and keep the business running even when you’re running on empty. But here’s the truth that most people won’t say out loud:

Hard work alone isn’t enough.

In fact, relying only on a strong work ethic without smart systems, boundaries, or support is the quickest way to burn out. And when you burn out, your business suffers, your health takes a hit, and the dream you started chasing starts feeling like a full-time trap.

This blog is for every hardworking tradie, sole trader, franchisee and small business owner who’s asking: “I’m doing everything – why am I still so exhausted, stressed, and broke?”

Let’s talk about why hustle culture is failing you, and what you can do instead to level up your business without running yourself into the ground.

The Burnout Warning Signs

 

Let’s start with a little self-check. If you tick two or more of these boxes, burnout is either already happening, or it’s not far off:

? You wake up dreading another day of work
?‍? You’re constantly overwhelmed and behind
? You’re earning money, but it never feels like enough
? You’re getting snappy with your partner, kids, or team
? You’ve had recurring health issues – headaches, poor sleep, exhaustion
? You’ve started fantasising about quitting or getting a “normal” job

The Burnout Warning Signs

Sound familiar? That’s your body, mind, and bank account waving the red flag.

The Problem with Hustle Culture

Somewhere along the way, we got sold a lie: “If you just work hard enough, everything will work out.”

But here’s what that advice doesn’t take into account:

  • Poor pricing
  • No cash flow plan
  • Tax stress
  • Overdue invoices
  • Zero systems
  • No boundaries with clients
  • Mental and physical fatigue

Working longer hours without addressing these problems just leads to one thing: resentment and burnout.

Because when you’re stuck in the cycle of feast and famine, chasing money, and reacting to chaos, it doesn’t matter how committed you are. Your business starts to feel like a prison instead of the freedom you dreamed of.

Why Good Work Ethic Isn’t Enough Anymore

Don’t get me wrong, your work ethic is your superpower. But in today’s small business world, it’s not enough by itself. You also need:

? Smart systems
? A clear money plan
? Mindset support
?‍♂️ Time to rest and reset
? Clarity over numbers
? A game plan for growth

Hard work without structure is like running a job site with no tools, no blueprint, and no team – you might get something done, but it’ll be chaos, and you’ll be wrecked in the process.

The Reality of Being the Boss

You didn’t start your business to be stressed all the time. You started it for:

  • Freedom
  • Flexibility
  • To create something of your own
  • To make a good income doing what you love

But somewhere along the way, the business started running you.

You’re the operator, the bookkeeper, the admin, the marketer, the debt collector, the payroll officer, the complaint handler… and you’re trying to be a good partner/parent/friend on top of it all.

No wonder you’re fried.

So if you’ve ever said, “There’s got to be a better way…”

You’re right. There is.

Here’s How to Level Up (Instead of Burning Out)

Burnout happens when the pressure is constant but the systems are weak. Let’s flip the script. Here are 6 key shifts you can make to stop the burnout spiral and finally feel like the CEO of your business again.

1. PUT YOURSELF ON THE PAYROLL 

This is a big one. If you’re still paying yourself “when there’s money left” or pulling cash out as needed, you’ll never feel in control.

Start paying yourself a consistent wage – weekly or fortnightly, and build it into your pricing. Even if it’s small to begin with, the habit changes everything.

2. BUILD A BUSINESS THAT PAYS YOU BACK

You can’t keep pouring into your business if it doesn’t pour back into you.

That means:

  • Charging properly (not just guessing)
  • Creating boundaries around your time
  • Saying no to jobs that don’t serve you
  • Building in breaks, even short ones

Rest is productive. And you’re allowed to take a day off without feeling guilty.

Build a Business That Pays You Back

3. DITCH THE MONEY STRESS WITH A CASH FLOW PLAN

Most tradies, franchisees and small biz owners aren’t short on income – they’re short on structure. That’s why a simple money system can change your life. Inside THE EDGE, we teach you how to set up five simple buckets:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Owner’s Pay
  • Tax
  • Profit

This stops the “Where did my money go?” panic, and gives you breathing room, even during quiet periods.

4. AUTOMATE THE ADMIN

If quoting, invoicing, and chasing payments takes up your evenings or weekends, you’re burning time you can never get back.

Use simple software (like Xero, MYOB, or Quickbooks) to automate as much admin as you can.

And if it’s still too much? Outsource it. You didn’t become a small biz owner to become a full-time administrator.

5. PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH LIKE YOU PROTECT YOUR TOOLS

Your mindset is everything. When you’re constantly overwhelmed, you start making decisions from a place of fear and fatigue.

That’s when undercharging happens. That’s when you say yes to jobs you shouldn’t take. That’s when you give up and go back to the tools full time because “it’s just easier.”

Your brain is your best business asset. Look after it.

✅ Take breaks
✅ Talk to someone
✅ Do something you enjoy that isn’t work
✅ Get support (not just financial, but emotional)

6. GET SUPPORT – STOP DOING IT ALL ALONE

This is the one that makes all the difference. Most small business owners feel isolated. No one sees the pressure you’re under. Everyone thinks you’re doing great because “you’re your own boss.”

But the truth is, the pressure is real. And you don’t have to carry it all on your own.

That’s exactly why I created THE EDGE – to give you tools, support, and a solid plan.

? Introducing The Edge: Your 6-Week Reset

The Edge is a coaching program for tradies, franchisees and small business owners who are ready to stop burning out and start building a business that works with them, not against them. Over 6 weeks, I’ll walk you through how to:

  • Pay yourself a proper wage
  • Set up a simple cash flow system
  • Price with confidence
  • Stop the tax panic
  • Build structure and breathing room into your business
  • Shift your mindset and get back in control

It’s everything you wish someone taught you when you first started your business – delivered in simple, actionable steps with my support the whole way.

You’ll go from overwhelmed and overworked…

To confident, structured, and finally in charge.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Thrive, Not Just Survive

You didn’t go into business to be exhausted.
You’re already working hard. Now it’s time to work smart.

Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re weak. It’s a sign that your systems need support. And with the right tools, you can reset – without starting from scratch.

So if you’re ready to level up, get your spark back, and build a business that supports your life – not swallows it whole…

? Join The Edge 6-Week Coaching Program Today

Let’s get your time, money, and sanity back TOGETHER.

BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL
THE EDGE - 6-WEEK PROGRAM
Cash Flow is King: Why Every Small Business Owner  Needs a Financial Plan (Not Just More Work)

Cash Flow is King: Why Every Small Business Owner  Needs a Financial Plan (Not Just More Work)

May 21, 2025 | Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Self Development

If you’re a tradie, Franchisee or small business owner, chances are you’ve said this before:

“I just need more work.”
“If I can land that next big job, I’ll be sweet.”
“Once I get through this month, I’ll finally get on top of things.”

Sound familiar?

We’ve been sold this idea that working more hours or taking on more jobs is the key to financial stability.

But here’s the truth…

More work won’t fix your money problems if your financial plan is broken.

Let me say that again: More work won’t fix broken cash flow.

In fact, working harder without a system can actually worsen your money stress – leading to burnout, resentment, and a business that runs you, instead of the other way around.

In this blog, I’ll break down why cash flow is king, how small business owners end up in the trap of “more jobs = more chaos”, and what you can do to take control of your money (without working yourself into the ground).

The Myth of “More Work = More Money”

Let’s say you take on 3 new clients this month as a tradie. Awesome, right?
But then:

  • You buy more materials
  • You spend more hours on-site
  • You hire a subbie to help out
  • You juggle more admin
  • You forget to invoice someone
  • And suddenly – you’re busier than ever… but your bank account doesn’t show it

That’s because revenue doesn’t equal profit, and being busy doesn’t equal being financially fit.
You can be flat-out all month and still feel broke.

That’s the trap, and I see it every week with tradies, franchisees and business owners who are absolutely brilliant at what they do… but never learned how to manage the money side of things.

So What’s the Real Problem?

It comes down to one powerful truth:

Cash flow – not just income – is what makes or breaks your business.

Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business.

Not just how much you make, but:

  • When you get paid
  • How consistently money comes in
  • What goes out each week
  • Whether you’re left with a profit (or just scraping by)

If you don’t have control over your cash flow, you’re always reacting. You’re playing catch-up. And that stress leaks into everything – your health, your relationships, and even the quality of your work.

Here’s What Cash Flow Chaos Looks Like

If you’ve ever experienced any of these, you’re in a cash flow crunch:

  • You avoid checking your account because you’re afraid of what you’ll see
  • You wait until BAS is due to realise you owe thousands
  • You struggle to pay your own wage regularly
  • You’re always chasing late invoices
  • You can’t take time off because you’re constantly hustling to “keep up”
  • You’ve had to dip into your personal savings more than once

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But the good news is – it’s fixable.

The Solution: A Simple, Small Business – Friendly Financial Plan

You don’t need a finance degree or a fancy accountant to get this sorted. You just need a clear plan for how money flows through your business. Here’s how to start building one.

1. KNOW YOUR BREAK-EVEN POINT

This is the minimum amount of money you need to earn each month to cover:

  • Business expenses (tools, fuel, phone, materials, subs, etc.)
  • Your personal wage
  • Tax and super
  • Any loan or debt repayments

Without knowing your break-even, you’re guessing. You’re flying blind. Once you’ve nailed this number, everything becomes clearer.

Now, you can set targets based on facts – not hope.

2. PAY YOURSELF A WAGE – YES, YOU!

This is the game changer. Every time income hits your account, it should be split into different buckets. That way, you’re not tempted to spend what should’ve gone to tax, bills, or your own pay.

Here’s a simple version that works great for small business owners:

✅ Income Account
Where all your payments land. This is your holding zone.

✅ Owner’s Pay Account
Your regular wage. Non-negotiable. You work hard, you deserve to be paid consistently.

✅ Expenses Account
Materials, suppliers, fuel, subscriptions, etc.

✅ Tax & BAS Account
Put aside 25 – 30% of every payment for Tax plus the GST portion. No more panic come BAS time.

✅ Profit Account
Even just 5% of each job. This is for rainy days, growth, or peace of mind.

You can set this up in 30 minutes through online banking. Once you do? You’ll sleep better knowing your money is finally working for you.

3. TRACK YOUR MONEY CASH FLOW

Once a week, check in on your numbers. This doesn’t need to be a 2-hour admin marathon. I’m talking 20–30 minutes to:

  • See what came in
  • Check what went out
  • Update your numbers
  • Chase unpaid invoices
  • Move money into your buckets

Make this a weekly ritual (I call it a Money Date) and watch your confidence skyrocket. Because the more you look at your money, the less power it holds over you.

4. TRACK YOUR MONEY CASH FLOW

You can have all the work in the world, but if your prices don’t reflect the true cost of running your business – you’ll never get ahead.

Too many small business owners undercharge because they’re afraid of losing the work.

But if you’re not charging for:

  • Admin time
  • Quote prep
  • Travel
  • Time off tools
  • Overheads
  • Profit margin

…then you’re not building a business. You’re building a time bomb.

You should be pricing with confidence, knowing that it covers everything – not hoping for the best.
Inside The Edge, I teach you a simple pricing calculator so you know exactly what to charge and why.

5. BUILD A BUFFER FUND

We all know some work can be seasonal or unpredictable.

A job gets delayed. A client pays late. You get sick. And suddenly your cash flow takes a hit. That’s why a buffer fund is crucial.

Aim to build up 1–3 months’ worth of business expenses in a separate account. This gives you breathing space and avoids making panic-driven decisions like slashing prices or taking on crappy jobs just for quick cash.

Start small – $50 a week adds up. Automate it. Make it part of your money system. 

Build a Buffer Fund

The Truth? You Don’t Need More Work. You Need a Better Money Plan.

You don’t need to hustle harder. You don’t need to take every job that comes your way. You need to manage your money better so the work you’re already doing actually pays off. Imagine this:

  • Getting paid consistently – even in quiet months
  • No more panicked BAS seasons
  • Knowing exactly what your business needs to earn each week
  • Saying YES to time off without financial stress
  • Watching your bank account grow, not shrink

That’s what happens when cash flow becomes your king, and your systems support you, not sabotage you.

And That’s Exactly What We Do Inside THE EDGE

THE EDGE is a 6-week coaching program for tradies, franchisees and small business owners who are ready to stop guessing and start owning their business money. We’ll help you:

✅ Set up a cash flow system
✅ Price for profit
✅ Get your BAS and tax sorted
✅ Pay yourself consistently
✅ Build a buffer
✅ Plan for growth (without working more hours)

It’s simple, structured, and built for people who are great at their trade, not spreadsheets.

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter. Get Paid Properly. Stress Less.

You didn’t go into business to work 24/7 and still worry about money.

You started your business for freedom, flexibility, and a better life. And the path to that life isn’t more work. It’s better cash flow.

So if you’re ready to take the pressure off and finally feel in control of your business money…

Join THE EDGE: 6-Week Coaching Program

Your business doesn’t need to change, it just needs a plan. Let’s build it together.

BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL
THE EDGE - 6-WEEK PROGRAM
The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

May 19, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Management 101, Self Development

Let’s face it – being a small business owner is no joke.

You’re juggling clients, projects, quoting jobs, doing the work, chasing payments, paying staff or suppliers, and – somewhere in there – trying to make sure you actually get paid.

But if it feels like you’re always hustling and still living week to week, chances are… your money systems are working against you, not for you.

And here’s the thing: it’s not about how smart you are or how hard you work. Most business owners weren’t taught how to manage their money. You were probably just thrown into the deep end, figuring it out as you go.

The good news? You can stop spinning your wheels, and it starts by avoiding the most common financial traps.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the 5 biggest money mistakes I see every week and more importantly, show you how to fix them fast so you can take back control and finally feel financially secure in your business.

Mistake #1: Not Paying Yourself a Regular Wage

Let’s talk about one of the most common (and painful) mistakes small business owners make: they don’t pay themselves consistently.

You might be saying:

“I take money out when I need it.”

“There’s never enough to pay myself regularly.”

“I’ll pay myself properly when things settle down.”

Here’s the problem with that: you’re running your business like an ATM, not a real operation. And that mindset will keep you broke – even when you’re making good money.

? The Fix:

Set up a dedicated Owner’s Pay account, and start paying yourself a consistent wage every week or fortnight. Even if it’s only $200 to start, build the habit. When you get paid from clients, transfer a fixed percentage into your Owner’s Pay account – just like you’d pay an employee.
This does two things:

  • It forces you to treat your income seriously.
  • It allows you to plan and budget your personal life better.

The Edge coaching program teaches you how to calculate your break-even wage and build a cash flow system that actually works for your business.

Why Hard Work Alone Isn’t Paying Off

Mistake #2: Mixing Personal and Business Finances

It might seem harmless to buy a Bunnings tool on your personal card or pay the rego for the work ute from your grocery account – but over time, this creates a total mess.

It’s impossible to track how your business is performing if everything is muddled together. You won’t know what you’re spending, earning, or saving – and when tax time rolls around, you’ll be in a world of pain.

? The Fix:

Set up two separate bank accounts at the bare minimum:

  • One for business income and expenses
  • One for personal living

Better yet, I recommend creating five simple business accounts:

  1. Income – all revenue lands here
  2. Owner’s Pay – your regular wage
  3. Expenses – for bills, tools, and running costs
  4. Tax & BAS – set aside 25 – 30% per payment
  5. Profit – for business growth or rainy days

Once this is in place, your financial clarity skyrockets. You’ll know exactly where your money is going, and you’ll be less tempted to “accidentally” spend it.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the Numbers

This one’s a biggie, and I get it. Many small business owners avoid looking at their numbers because they’re overwhelmed, too busy, or just afraid of what they’ll find.
But let’s be honest – if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

? The Fix:

Start by checking these numbers weekly:

  • Revenue: What came in?
  • Expenses: What went out?
  • Net Profit: What’s left over after expenses?
  • Break-even: How much do you need to earn to cover costs and pay yourself?

Create a simple weekly “money date” even just 30 minutes every Friday, to review your finances, send invoices, follow up on payments, and track your progress.

In The Edge, we give you simple templates to track this in under 10 minutes a week (no accountant brain required).

Mistake #4: No System for Tax and BAS

You know the drill: things are going well… until BAS time hits. Suddenly the ATO wants thousands you didn’t put aside, and you’re scrambling to pay.

Sound familiar?

Many small biz owners treat BAS like a nasty surprise – but it’s completely avoidable if you plan for it. Any case remember it’s not your money in the first place.

? The Fix:

Every time you get paid, immediately transfer 25 – 30% into your Tax Account for taxes and BAS. Pretend it’s not yours. Because technically – it’s not. That’s the ATO’s cut.

If you’re registered for GST, track your income and expenses monthly and lodge on time. Using software like Xero, QuickBooks, or even a simple spreadsheet will make this 10x easier.

Imagine having a tax bill and already having the money sitting there ready. That’s the kind of peace The Edge helps you create.

Mistake #5: Undercharging for Your Work

This one hurts because you’re working hard, showing up, and doing great work… but the money just isn’t adding up.

Often, it’s because you’re undercharging. Maybe you’re pricing based on what others charge, or you’re too scared to raise your rates in case you lose clients.

But here’s the thing: if your pricing doesn’t cover your expenses, time off tools, admin time, and leave a profit – you’re not running a business. You’re running a charity.

? The Fix:

  • Add up everything it costs to run your business monthly (including paying yourself)
  • Work out how many hours you realistically work and how many jobs you can do
  • Divide your monthly costs by the number of billable hours or jobs – that’s your true minimum rate
  • Add a profit margin

Also, factor in time spent quoting, driving, admin, and materials. You’re not just being paid for the hour on site, you’re being paid for all the time and expertise it takes to do the job well.

In The Edge, we give you a simple pricing tool to calculate your true rate with confidence – so you never wonder, “Am I charging enough?” again.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Here’s the thing most people won’t tell you: money stress isn’t about how much you make. It’s about how you manage what you’ve got.

And most small business owners were never taught how to do this. You’ve just been doing the best you can with what you know.

But what if there was a better way?

What if, in just 6 weeks, you could:

✅ Pay yourself regularly
✅ Get your tax sorted and stop panicking at BAS time
✅ Know your numbers and feel in control
✅ Charge with confidence
✅ Build a buffer so you’re never caught off guard
✅ Actually enjoy running your business again?

Introducing: The Edge – Your 6-Week Business Financial Reset

The Edge is a coaching program for tradies, franchisees and small business owners who are sick of just “getting by” and ready to build a business that actually pays them.

Inside The Edge, you’ll get:

? Weekly coaching calls
? Easy-to-use templates and systems
? Real-life strategies that work for time-poor business owners
? Support and accountability from someone who gets it
? A full money makeover – without the financial jargon

It’s not about being perfect – it’s about taking action, building structure, and finally feeling confident with your money.

BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL

Final Thoughts: You Can Fix This. Fast.

The biggest money mistakes small business owners make aren’t about numbers, they’re about habits.
If you’re not paying yourself, mixing finances, ignoring your numbers, or winging it at tax time… it’s costing you more than you know. Not just money, but peace of mind, time with your family, and the freedom you started your business for.

You don’t have to keep doing it the hard way.

Let’s fix it – fast, together, and for good.

? Ready to stop surviving and start thriving?

Join The Edge 6-Week Coaching Program Now and get the tools, systems, and support you need to take control of your business money – once and for all.

THE EDGE - 6-WEEK PROGRAM
BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL